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©Marie-Julie Gouniot

Langoustines

You can’t go on holiday in Brittany without trying langoustines, sometimes called the Demoiselles de Loctudy. Their flesh is delicate and they are a real cocktail of proteins, minerals and trace elements. They should NOT be consumed in moderation!

Where are langoustines caught?

Head for Brittany’s ports: Le Guilvinec, of course, Lorient, the most important port in mainland France for langoustines, as well as Loctudy and Lesconil. You can watch the coastal catch being unloaded. The Haliotika Sea Centre at Le Guilvinec offers tours of the coastal fish auctions.

 

 

When can you enjoy them?

Langoustines are fished all year round, but the high season is between April and October.

How are they prepared?

To ensure the flesh stays white and firm, there’s nothing simpler: cook them in a large pan of salted water and drop the langoustines in when it boils. As soon as they rise to the surface, remove them from the water immediately. They are delicious served with a home-made mayonnaise. Large ones can be grilled on a barbecue.

Some top restaurants for langoustines

  • At Racines in Rennes, Virginie Giboire offers a daring combination of langoustines served with yoghurt, cucumber and mint.
  • In Brest harbour, langoustines are served with the famous crab at Crabe Marteau.

Where can you buy langoustines at source?

When the boats come in at the end of the day, you can buy live langoustines straight from the sea: they are sold off the back of the trawler.
Want to take some away? The fishmongers, La Cotriade, located in the centre of the market halls in Audierne, will steam them for free. Ask them to put the langoustines in an insulated tray for you.

A tip

It takes between 20 and 30 langoustines to make a kilo. They should be eaten within 24 hours.

Did you know ?

The Langoustine Festival

Every two years in August, the Langoustine Festival attracts more than 15,000 visitors to Lesconil. This is your chance to discover local gastronomy and take part in a giant free tasting of langoustines. The programme also includes a sea trip aboard a trawler, Breton music, Breton dancing lessons, shows and processions by traditional Breton bands and folklore groups.

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